Oswin David, the Project Coordinator for the Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme in Guyana, expresses great enthusiasm for his work supporting fish and wildlife conservation in the Rupununi region. He emphasizes the significance of these efforts on Indigenous culture and nutrition.
David states that the SWM Programme promotes community-led initiatives that not only ensure food security but also safeguard traditional livelihoods while maintaining healthy wildlife populations. A proud native of Maruranau in South Rupununi, he has been with the SWM Programme since its beginnings, having graduated from the University of Guyana with a degree in Environmental Studies and Science Conservation in 2012.
Identifying as both a patriot and an environmentalist, David believes fostering a genuine love for nature is crucial for conservation. He noted that the SWM is a prominent international effort aimed at advancing wildlife protection and enhancing food security funded by the European Union, among other organizations. Operating in 165 nations, the programme collaborates with multiple institutions, including the Centre for International Forestry Research and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.
In Guyana, SWM joins forces with local conservation and management bodies, having just completed the first phase of their initiative (2018-2023) and entering a second phase funded through 2026. The programme promotes co-management practices for fisheries and wildlife in indigenous landscapes, aiming to provide sustainable food sources while preserving wildlife populations, thus offering a blueprint for other countries in the Caribbean and Amazon regions.
Source: guyanachronicle.com
